18-year-old Eve Loughman has been kickboxing for the most part of her life, and she’s no plans to stop any time soon.

Like many other children, Eve tried her hand at just about every sport. Dancing, cheerleading, and trampolining just didn’t entertain her as much as she wanted.

But then, at six years old, she discovered kickboxing.

“I was into different things when I was younger, I was much more interested in playing out and getting stuck into sports.

“I’ve been kickboxing for 12 years now and I just fell in love with the sport straight away,” Eve said.

For Eve, a sport that allowed her to unleash her competitive side was ideal. In fact, after sparring for some time, it was apparent that Eve needed more freedom to compete at a higher level.

“I started off sparring and we going to events to spar other gyms. But I was just too competitive for sparring, so when I was 9, I had my first fight,” she said.

A tiny fighter at this point, Eve remembers wearing gloves that seemed massive on her hands. But, channelling her inner warrior, Eve walked to the ring to the sound of Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal, something which she looks back at and laughs now.

But that first fight ignited a sense of motivation within Eve. She had tasted her first sense of victory, and this would later encourage her to aim higher.

Her biggest achievement comes in the form of her ISKA World Championship title, where she flew to Germany to compete in the final.

Eve had to go through many stages to reach this point. Winning the English, North West and Intercontinental Championships before heading to the Europeans, she was selected to go up against some of the best fighters in the world.

“I was the first person to fight for Team England on the day, so when I won the final with a knockout in 9 seconds, everyone was so excited.

“Events like that are amazing. Everyone is like a giant family and it’s such a good atmosphere.”

And now, aged 18 and establishing a great name for herself in the ring, Eve has been given the opportunity to meet a range of names within the sport.

Training at Evade Martial Arts in Mossley, Eve trains under one of the coaches, Stuart Tomlinson, who has founded his own brand, ‘Warrior Collective’.

Alongside this, Eve has attended some incredible events, where she has met people such as Georges St-Pierre, Michael Bisping and Carlos Condit, huge faces in the martial art world.

“It’s great to see people like this and see how much they’ve progressed and achieved.

“There’s not a lot of money in kickboxing, but the things you can go on to do are amazing, my coach has mentioned the idea of becoming a stunt double before,” Eve said.

And, as a young, talented woman her opportunities are endless. Now she juggles both college and work, she ensures to train at least twice a week.

“When I was at high school, I used to train five times a week, but now it’s much harder to do that and I make sure to train at least twice.”

Eve would encourage anyone to take up a sport. She has faced criticism and comments from people but has continued to power above these to enjoy the sport that she loves.

“When I was at high school, I did have some girls who would have something to say about the fact that I was a kickboxer, the boys always seemed more supportive in my experience.

“But I love kickboxing and when we were unable to train during Covid I was lost without it,” she said.

Achieving her 2nd Dan black belt aged just 15, Eve is now looking to work towards her 3rd Dan, a huge achievement for any athlete.

Beginning her adult life, Eve is weighing up her options as to whether she sees kickboxing as a hobby or career.

“I’m currently doing an animal care course at Tameside College, which I’m really enjoying.

“I know that’s something I can get a definite career out of, and at the moment I’m torn between keeping kickboxing as a hobby or a career.

“I’ve been asked if I want to move into boxing as there’s more money in that sport. But you can’t fight two disciplines and I don’t think I’d ever want to leave kickboxing,” Eve said.

Eve’s passion for kickboxing is clear to see. She has achieved greatness and met some inspiring athletes, and yet her journey is only just beginning.

Do you know an inspirational sporting woman in Tameside or Glossop?

Women in Sport is a weekly column which shares the incredible stories of ladies involved in sport across the area. We are always on the lookout for fresh stories to tell. To nominate someone for the column or get involved yourself, please email Katie on katie.catherall@questmedianetwork.co.uk. 

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